The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux and arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of belonging to a cult group in separate operations in Uyo.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday.
According to the statement, the Toyota Hilux, with registration number NYA 399 AA and a black bonnet, was reported stolen on August 6, 2026, along Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road.
Police operatives reportedly sighted the vehicle and attempted to apprehend the occupants, but the suspects fled. They were pursued until they reached a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.
The recovered Hilux was later identified by its owner, Mr Reginald, after he was contacted by the police.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
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In a separate operation at about 11:30 p.m. on the same day, police officers conducting stop-and-search operations along Abak Road, near the Federal Secretariat in Uyo, arrested Emmanuel Emmanson, a 21-year-old indigene of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Three live cartridges were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that Emmanson allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity.
According to the command, the suspect allegedly stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush.
Emmanson remains in police custody as investigations continue, while the police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the group.
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